This article starts by recognizing elder abuse as a complex and multidimensional phenomenon. It showcases the diversity of theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence that have marked the analysis of this phenomenon in Portugal, a diversity which is believed to explain some of the inconsistencies that continue be present on the attempts of evaluating its’ extent. The article is based on a systematic review of the literature both at a theoretical level, as well as at the level of the empirical studies carried out in Portugal.